European Consensus on Functional Bloating and Abdominal Distension-An ESNM/UEG Recommendations for Clinical...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Digestive Health
• Gut-Brain Interaction Disorders

Background:

• Functional bloating and abdominal distension are prevalent gastrointestinal symptoms with overlapping causes.
• Lack of specific consensus on diagnosis, mechanisms, and management necessitates expert guidelines.
• These symptoms can be associated with both functional and organic gastrointestinal disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide expert opinions and recommendations on functional bloating and abdominal distension.
• To establish a framework for the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment.
• To address the need for specific consensus in managing these common GI symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary European expert team was assembled.
• Literature review was conducted to address key questions.
• Statements were developed and voted on using a Delphi process.

Main Results:

• Diagnosis follows Rome IV criteria, excluding organic disease, based on history and examination.
• Pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving visceral hypersensitivity, dyssynergia, dysmotility, and dysbiosis.
• Treatment options include dietary changes, probiotics, medications (antispasmodics, rifaximin, secretagogues, neuromodulators), biofeedback, and psychotherapy.

Conclusions:

• This consensus provides an evidence-based framework for evaluating and treating functional bloating and abdominal distension.
• It aims to standardize the approach to these common yet complex gastrointestinal conditions.
• Expert recommendations support improved patient management and outcomes.